Visiting the dentist can be difficult for some people. Sometimes, just the thought of seeing the dentist is enough to cause anxiety.
For your convenience, we offer a variety of sedation options to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your procedure.
Why Patients Choose Sedation
We offer a variety of dental implant procedures, and our goal here at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Lowcountry is to make you feel as comfortable as possible when you’re here.
Reasons why people choose dental sedation include:
- Phobias – people who are afraid of visiting the dentist
- Gag Reflex – For some patients, having any type of object placed in their mouth triggers a muscle contraction known as a gag reflex.
- Sensitive Teeth or a Low Pain Threshold–Some patients find dental treatment to be extremely uncomfortable
- Patients Requiring Extensive Treatment–Patients who are scheduled to undergo extensive treatments can receive their care more comfortably and quickly using dental sedation.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is the most common method of sedation selected by our patients. An advantage of IV sedation is that patients are able to complete a more extensive procedure all in one appointment, such as full arch restoration with TeethXpress.
Many patients are apprehensive about being unconscious during treatment, but that’s not an issue with IV sedation because you remain conscious and relaxed during the procedure.
Since IV sedation is administered directly into your body, it works really fast. If you choose IV sedation for your procedure, you’ll want to arrange for a friend or family member take you home because you’ll still be feeling a little groggy afterward.
Oral Sedation
For people who want a simple yet effective sedative, we recommend oral sedation. This type of sedation method is delivered in the form of a pill that you swallow or dissolve under your tongue prior to your procedure. Oral sedation has been safely used by dentists for decades, and it’s a popular way to calm your anxiety during procedures.
During this method, the patient remains conscious. Commonly prescribed medications include Valium®, Halcion®, Sonata®, Ativan®, Vistaril®, and Versed®. Some oral sedatives have “amnesic” properties, meaning you will remember little to nothing after the procedure.
Nitrous Oxide
Dentists have been safely treating patients with nitrous oxide for years. It gives the patient a slightly light-headed and euphoric feeling. It’s an effective way to relieve your anxiety during a procedure.
Nitrous Oxide is a good sedative option for patients who want something that will wear off quickly following surgery. With this method, you’ll feel safe and relaxed. Since it wears off quickly, you won’t need to get someone to take you home after your procedure.
Dr. Dillard is an experienced and well trained oral surgeon.
Dr. Matt Dillard earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree at the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed a four year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at The Ohio State University. He’s been practicing oral surgery for many years, and has had many patients give excellent testimonials.
We know choosing a sedation method can be scary, so we want you to feel assured you are taken care of during the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I be sedated?
Dental sedation can last anywhere from two to six hours, depending on a number of factors. This includes the method used, strength of sedation, and length of your procedure. Before your procedure, Dr. Dillard will explain any necessary information and answer any questions you may have.
Will I be monitored?
Yes! You will be monitored by our highly trained staff throughout the entire process. We’ll also monitor your vitals to make sure they remain at a normal, healthy level. From the moment you walk into our office, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure you have a comfortable experience with us.